keep folding those cranes... cranes=clothing!

Oshkoshbgosh.com is donating an article of children's clothing to Japan for every crane they receive.  Today's count was about 770... we are almost to our goal of 1000!  Keep them coming in - all sizes are welcome!  http://www.oshkoshbgosh.com/

A Color of His Own: creating a setting

Every year, my kindergarten classes read Leo Lionni's A Color of His Own.  Not only do we discuss the difference between authors and illustrators, we cover the intriguing topics of disappointment and happy surprises.  We also talk about the importance of camouflage in nature and we create a setting for our color-changing chameleon.  Some years, when we have time, we create a whole book of images, but this year we are a bit crunched for time, so we each made one setting.  It was a great way to keep everyone busy while I helped them each choose and title their art for Fine Arts Night.
Very cute!

clay texture slabs, first grade

 

These cute and colorful texture slabs were made by rolling two clay spheres and pressing them into pancake-like slabs with our hands.  Next, we textured one slab with gadgets like marker caps and lego bricks, while we used a cookie cutter for the second slab.  We learned how to attach the two pieces by scoring and slipping, and then after firing and glazing, we added pipe cleaner hangers decorated with beads.